Going Down in History

[Axle]

During the Cold War, Prime Minister Diefenbaker, setup a series of bunkers across Canada in which the civilian government could reform and continue to run the country when the nukes hit.

The bunker at the former CFS Carp, is known as "The Diefenbunker" and is the largest of all the bunkers, as it was the central location. Located near Ottawa, ON, in the small village of Carp.

Closed in 1994, reopened as Canada's Cold War museum in 1998. If you're going to be in the area, call, make a reservation and go visit, well worth it.


Your first stop of course is the guard shack to check in.


Once checked in you're allowed to proceed into the main compound.


From the outside the bunker does not look that big, but appearances can be deceiving. This is the main entrance, one of two that connect to the blast tunnel.


The blast tunnel, this was designed to channel any explosions to the opposite side without compromising the main entrance.


Welcome to the real front entrance.


The guard at the front desk directs you into decontamination.


Once you've showered your directed to place all clothing items into a special chute, which drops them into a lead sealed room on bottom level.


Next, it's onto the medical bay to be checked out by the on site staff.


The primary radio operator's room.


Protective gear.


The base computer room, upgraded to half it's size in the 1970s, from when the the first mainframe was installed.


A typical government office, you could be working here.


Where the civilian government met. Taken from the view point of the Governor General.


This room was where briefings were prepared, and eventually delivered via CCTV.


The Prime Minister's suite included a private room, head, office, and an office for his secretary.


The CBC Broadcast studio


The Mess Hall. When the base was in operation, the kitchen here was the second best in all of Canadian Forces Bases.


The Machine Room.


A typical hot bunk room, as space was limited, you weren't assigned a bunk, but rather took whatever free one you could find.


The weapon's lock up, CFS Carp was equipped with a range of small arms.



The Bunker Website: http://www.diefenbunker.ca/
More Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/axle814...7622609965934/

[hminx]

Fascinating series Axle. I only have vague memories of the missile crisis ( 6 at the time ) but still have an interest those momentous events.

[jetrim]

Certainly a lot more spacious than JFK's bunker on Peanut Island in Palm Beach
Interesting stuff Axle!

[Axle]

Thanks!

This bunker was designed to house 500 people for 31 days.

[Speed]

Cool stuff Axle!

It reminds me of my Air Force days. Taking an elevator 60 to 80 feet underground, checking out the equipment in the equipment room, then relieving the crew and signing for the alert. Closing an eight ton blast door and spending the next 24 hours underground in a concrete capsule.

Ironically, some of our targets were facilities like the one you posted here, only on the other side of the world.

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